What To Know
- In this blog post, we will provide a comprehensive comparison of the Sony A700 vs A580, covering their key specifications, performance, and features to help you make an informed decision about which camera is right for you.
- The A700, on the other hand, is a better choice for photographers who prefer a larger and more ergonomic grip, a brighter viewfinder, and a lower price point.
- The Sony A700 has a longer battery life with a CIPA rating of 600 shots per charge compared to the A580’s 450 shots per charge.
The Sony A700 and A580 are two popular digital SLR cameras that offer a range of features and capabilities for photography enthusiasts. While both cameras share some similarities, they also have distinct differences that make them suitable for different types of photographers and shooting styles. In this blog post, we will provide a comprehensive comparison of the Sony A700 vs A580, covering their key specifications, performance, and features to help you make an informed decision about which camera is right for you.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Sony A700 | Sony A580 |
| — | — | — |
| Sensor | 12.2MP APS-C CMOS | 16.2MP APS-C CMOS |
| Image Processor | BIONZ | BIONZ 2 |
| Lens Mount | Sony Alpha | Sony Alpha |
| Shutter Speed Range | 30s – 1/8000s | 30s – 1/4000s |
| ISO Range | 100 – 6400 | 100 – 12800 |
| Autofocus System | 11-point phase detection | 15-point phase detection |
| Viewfinder | Optical pentaprism (0.95x magnification) | Optical pentamirror (0.83x magnification) |
| LCD Screen | 2.5-inch fixed (230k dots) | 2.7-inch tilting (230k dots) |
| Video Recording | 720p at 30 fps | 1080i at 30 fps |
| Weight | 690g (body only) | 599g (body only) |
Image Quality
Both the A700 and A580 produce excellent image quality, with sharp details and accurate colors. However, the A580 has a slight edge in terms of resolution, thanks to its 16.2MP sensor. This makes it a better choice for photographers who need to print large images or crop their photos heavily.
Performance
The A700 and A580 offer comparable performance in terms of autofocus speed and accuracy. However, the A580 has a faster continuous shooting speed of 5 fps compared to the A700’s 3 fps. This makes it a better choice for capturing fast-moving subjects or action shots.
Features
The A700 and A580 both offer a range of features to enhance your photography experience. These include:
- Built-in flash: Both cameras have a built-in pop-up flash for low-light photography.
- Scene modes: Both cameras offer a variety of scene modes to optimize the camera’s settings for different shooting situations.
- Image stabilization: Both cameras have built-in image stabilization to reduce camera shake and blur.
- RAW shooting: Both cameras support RAW shooting, which allows you to capture unprocessed images for greater flexibility in post-processing.
Ergonomics and Handling
The A700 and A580 are both comfortable to hold and operate. However, the A700 has a larger and more ergonomic grip, which makes it better suited for photographers with larger hands. The A580, on the other hand, is lighter and more compact, making it easier to carry around.
Viewfinder and LCD Screen
The A700 has a larger and brighter optical pentaprism viewfinder than the A580, which makes it easier to compose and focus your shots. The A580, on the other hand, has a tilting LCD screen that allows you to shoot from different angles.
Video Recording
The A580 offers better video recording capabilities than the A700. It can record 1080i video at 30 fps, while the A700 can only record 720p video at 30 fps.
Which Camera is Right for Me?
The Sony A700 and A580 are both excellent cameras for photography enthusiasts. However, the A580 is a better choice for photographers who need higher resolution images, faster continuous shooting speed, and better video recording capabilities. The A700, on the other hand, is a better choice for photographers who prefer a larger and more ergonomic grip, a brighter viewfinder, and a lower price point.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re looking for alternatives to the Sony A700 and A580, here are a few options to consider:
- Canon EOS 50D: A similar camera to the A700 with a 15.1MP sensor and a 6.3 fps continuous shooting speed.
- Nikon D90: A similar camera to the A580 with a 12.3MP sensor and a 4.5 fps continuous shooting speed.
- Pentax K-7: A similar camera to the A580 with a 14.6MP sensor and a 5 fps continuous shooting speed.
Questions We Hear a Lot
1. Which camera has a better autofocus system?
The Sony A580 has a better autofocus system with 15 phase-detection points compared to the A700’s 11.
2. Which camera has a longer battery life?
The Sony A700 has a longer battery life with a CIPA rating of 600 shots per charge compared to the A580’s 450 shots per charge.
3. Which camera is weather-sealed?
Neither the Sony A700 nor the A580 is weather-sealed.
